In total, the equivalent of over 15,000 hours went into delivering the upgrades which included replacing sets of points (the equipment which allows trains to move between tracks) and improving the signalling at Queenstown Road; complex signalling and power modifications at Waterloo to enable work throughout 2017; and continuing hydro-demolition work in the former International Terminal at Waterloo as part of the plans to re-open the five former international platforms.

Network Rail’s orange army also created openings on platforms 1 & 2 and 3 & 4. These 15 metre long holes will eventually become extra staircases that will improve passenger flow through the station by providing additional access to London Underground services, once the platforms are extended.

Becky Lumlock, route managing director at Network Rail, said:

“Christmas provides us with a great chance to deliver vital aspects of our Railway Upgrade Plan while causing the least amount of disruption to passengers. Our orange army have worked around the clock through Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day, providing a better railway for the growing number of passengers using the railway.

“Our work will now continue behind the scenes in the international terminal, but I’d like to thank all those who gave up their Christmases in order to deliver these upgrades.”

Across the country, Network Rail has invested £103 million this Christmas in nearly 200 upgrade projects.

In 2017 the £800 million Waterloo & South West Upgrade will continue, with Network Rail rebuilding the former International Terminal, and during a three week part-closure in August will extend platforms 1-4 to accommodate longer trains. In the meantime South West Trains will start to introduce a fleet of 30 brand new trains, providing 150 extra carriages, in April 2017.